After travelling to a cricket carnival in Tamworth with other talented young players from around the state and a two-day training camp in Sydney with Mark Waugh, 14 year old up and coming cricket player David Wilkie is set to bowl us over with his amazing talent. This young man is destined for big things in the world of cricket …

Hi David. How old are you, and where do you go to school?

Hi, I am 14 years old and I attend St. Columba Anglican School in Port Macquarie.

Share a few of your interests and hobbies with us – apart from sport, what do you like to do in your spare time?

Well, sport takes up a large amount of my time, whether it’s cricket, swimming or triathlon. But I am passionate about playing my guitar; I recently got my first electric guitar and I’m busy learning it.

I also love film and photography. I play a lot of video games, mainly sporting games. I like to get out of the house, on my mountain bike, find new areas and challenge myself, whether it be rock climbing, canoeing or just hanging out at our beautiful beaches.

How old were you when you first started playing cricket?

I started playing at age 5 in our local In2Cricket Competition. My dad’s love of the game was the reason I first started; our entire family watches or goes to the games in the summer, and it is something that I have always been exposed to − I love it.

I’ve always had a bat and ball in my hand in the back yard. My brother and sisters and I have a back yard series, and I’m starting to win a few lately.

What position do you most like to play and why?

I am a spin bowler; it’s what I like to do! The joy of confusing a batsman and taking wickets and helping my team take victory is a seriously awesome feeling. But at the same time, it is frustrating, hard, and I have to be on my game, otherwise I will be hit for four all day. But, it makes me think and work out how I can get the break through wicket. It is an integral position to any team, and it is becoming less common in younger players … so I am really happy to keep improving and getting more wickets.

What teams/comps do you currently play for?

I currently play for Port Macquarie Junior Cricket Club, and I’m on the Hastings Representative team, as well as my school cricket team.

I have ambitions of playing for Mid North Coast, New South Wales or even Australia, but for now, I am loving my local teams, having a great day out in the sun and keeping fit with my mates.

Playing cricket took you to Tamworth recently. Why did you travel there, and how long did you stop?

I travelled to Tamworth for a cricket carnival/clinic that I was selected for with other talented young cricketers from Port Macquarie and around the state. The competition was 5 long days in blistering heat and a lot of enjoyment for all involved.

It was a really great experience; I learnt a lot personally about my ability, and I bonded with my team, as we played in hard conditions against truly talented teams. Most of all, it has reassured me that I love playing cricket.

Tell us about the major award you won because of your performance at Tamworth …

I won the bowling aggregate trophy for taking a total of 13 wickets in 5 games. My best figures were 6/23 and 4/24.

It was a great achievement for me personally, because as a spin bowler, there are limited times when I can bowl … as well as the fact that there were so many talented individuals − I feel extremely humbled to win this trophy.

Who are some of your sporting idols, and why do you admire them so much?

Shane Warne: his ability to spin the ball amazes me, his records are terrific, and he has done so much for the cricket community in terms of promoting and growing the sport, as well as nurturing the young spin bowlers in a dying art.

Richie Benaud: he is a true gentleman of the game, and his ability is what I strive to achieve in my game.

As well, people like Ryley Batt and Tim Van Berkel and James Magnussen: they remind me that no matter where you live or your circumstances, you have the ability to reach your dreams and to achieve whatever it is you want.

What other comps/events do you have lined up for 2013?

We have the rest of the PMJCC cricket season, as well as our Hastings representative season ahead of us.

I also just came back from a 2 day training camp with Mark Waugh in Sydney − the aim was to improve my batting ability. I was also coached in spin bowling by some of the best coaches in Australia − some have even trained Michael Clarke.

What do you feel are your chances of having a future professional sporting career?

Nothing would give me more joy than a professional sporting career. Walking out on to the grass for a test match for Australia and being tossed the ball by my captain would be all I could ask for, but I am a long way off there yet.

I am going to keep working hard and playing every game as it comes and remember to have fun along the way.